Sonic Interventions & Indigenous Resistance
“IR Sonic Interventions” was first broadcast on 18th July 2020, on Raskattas Radio, based in Sofia, Bulgaria. It featured Sankara Future Dub Resurgence, Dhangsha and Dub Sisters Mapu, Apachita and Esaete. For those who listened in, it was like an exhilarating live gig – raw in sound and text with punk attitude, but disciplined like a Peoples’ Army on manoeuvres – everyone jumping in to take the baton then passing it on – everyone looking out for everyone else.
This is what happens when sonic experimentation and co-operation moves music and text beyond current convention. The political commentary and degree of analysis demonstrated a depth that is missing from present day dub, but not at the expense of dance propulsion. Bob Marley and his contemporaries created a framework of militant poetry with which to uplift the spirits of oppressed people. But over forty years on, it is not enough to merely REPRODUCE that template.
As Sankara FDR say: “this is no photocopy dub.” Aside from spoken testimonies, the session was comprised of field recordings, acoustic rhythms and melodies and uncompromising programmed sequences. It was assembled using a variety of techniques: post-punk cut & paste, dub mixology and live electronic improvisation. This was in fact an ‘alternative news broadcast,’ unashamedly betraying a robust anti-colonial perspective. It was on THAT level.
For all the Sisters & Brothers out there with open hearts and minds and ready to engage:
WE SEE YOU NOW.
For all those out there who would hinder our ability to breathe – you have revealed yourselves:
WE SEE YOU NOW.
